Letter: Bring library aid into new century

To the editor

Published 10:41 pm, Saturday, March 9, 2013

Remember 1997? Google registered its domain name. Madeleine Albright became the first female secretary of state. NASA's Pathfinder landed on Mars. Princess Diana was killed in a car crash. F.W. Woolworth closed its doors. Elton John's "Candle in the Wind" topped the music charts. Best-sellers included John Grisham's "The Partner" and Jon Krakauer's "Into Thin Air." New York's elected officials funded library aid at $82 million.

Fast-forward 16 years. The world has moved on, but library aid is stuck. In his proposed 2013-14 budget, Gov. Andrew Cuomo maintains library aid at the same level as last year, $81.6 million.

That's not only $400,000 less than it was in 1997, it's 20 percent below where the state's own education laws require it to be — $102 million. Sixteen years ago, libraries provided access to information, primarily through print materials. Today, libraries still offer books, of course, but they also provide eBooks, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, electronic databases and Internet access. As more and more New Yorkers rely on them, libraries have responded with additional services and taken on expanded responsibilities. In areas with no workforce development centers, libraries have stepped up to help the jobless.

It is unacceptable for New York to fund libraries without regard for what its own laws require. Libraries deserve to receive $102 million in state aid. If you agree, now is the time to let your state representatives know.